Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) today recommended for funding a $710,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant for the city ofVicco.Funds will be used for the Vicco Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.

“Improper wastewater treatment can negatively affect the environment as well as public health and safety,” said Governor Fletcher.“Vicco residents who are using the current system and those who will be added to the new plant will reap the benefits of a healthier community.”

ARC funds will be used to construct a new wastewater treatment plant replacement.The existing plant is in a state of dilapidation and has had several discharge violations.

“This wastewater treatment plant has been needed in Vicco for a very long time,” said Senator Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard). “I am pleased to see this project receive funding.”

Representative Brandon Smith (R-Hazard) said, “It is important for residents to have a proper wastewater system in place for the well-being of residents.I applaud the efforts of this administration to make this project a priority.”

Governor Fletcher is the current ARC States’ Co-Chair.As states’ co-chair, Governor Fletcher is responsible for representing the 13 ARC governors before Congress and the Bush Administration; serve as a member of various ARC committees; and provide guidance on policy and administrative issues concerning the commission.

ARC is a federal-state economic development program used to meet infrastructure needs as well as to support education,workforce development, leadership and civic capacity building, entrepreneurship, asset-based development and affordable and accessible health care. ARC is federally funded and available to Kentucky’s 51 most eastern and south-central counties. Applications for ARC funds are submitted to GOLD.The funding status of the project is pending approval from the federal level.